Neck pain may be described as either being acute or chronic. It is described as being acute if it has been experienced for two weeks or less. It is termed as being chronic if its duration is more than two weeks. The causes for both acute and chronic neck pain are largely the same; they are related to problems affecting the anatomical structures found in the cervical region including ligaments, muscles and the cervical vertebra among others.
When you go to hospital in Blue Bell, PA, the doctor will begin by taking a history of your condition. This will focus on issues such as the onset of symptoms, their pattern and whether they have been progressing in severity or resolving. Another important aspect of the diagnostic process is investigations. The commonly used investigations include MRI, CT scans and X-ray images. These are most useful in cases where anatomical defects are suspected.
Cervical disc herniation is another cause of pain in this region. The condition occurs when one or more inter-vertebral discs are displaced from their normal anatomical position. Normally, the discs play the role of shock absorption when there are movements taking place between the different vertebral bodies. The displaced discs can impinge onto adjacent nerve fibers and cause symptoms along the spine that may also be experienced on the limbs.
The management of disc prolapse is divided into conservative and surgical options. Traction is one of the most frequently used (and effective) conservative options. Spinal traction entails the application of a steady pulling force on the spine with the aim of restoring the normal anatomy. About twenty sessions offered over 4 or 6 weeks are usually needed. Analgesic agents may be obtained over the counter or by way of prescription. Surgery is reserved for cases that do not respond to the conservative interventions.
Cervical degenerative disc disease also affects the inter-vertebral discs. This may also be managed conservatively or through surgery. The commonly used conservative therapies include heat and cold compression, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs and physical exercise. If symptoms are severe, stronger prescription drugs such as steroids, opioids and muscle relaxants may be needed. Surgery is considered after six months of trying out the other forms of treatment.
Pain that is described as being present in the cervical region and radiating to the arms is most likely the result of cervical spine narrowing (stenosis). It is easily diagnosed from X-ray images. This condition is asymptomatic in many people. When the symptoms are manifested, their onset is gradual and they progress in severity with time. Cervical spine stenosis is usually associated with other symptoms such as tingling of hands, numbness and in-coordination.
Alternative medicine therapies have been tried for this conditions with varying rates of success. One of the most widely practiced technique in this area is acupuncture. The therapy assumes that life energy, qi, flows certain paths in the body. In disease states, the flow is interrupted. Restoration of the flow by use of special needles provides cure. Others include chiropractic and massage.
Causes of neck pain are numerous and they are distributed among men and women in almost equal proportions. While many cases can be easily be treated using home remedies, there are others that require urgent professional help. Symptoms that are associated with visual disturbance and a severe headache, for example, indicate the presence of a serious underlying condition.
When you go to hospital in Blue Bell, PA, the doctor will begin by taking a history of your condition. This will focus on issues such as the onset of symptoms, their pattern and whether they have been progressing in severity or resolving. Another important aspect of the diagnostic process is investigations. The commonly used investigations include MRI, CT scans and X-ray images. These are most useful in cases where anatomical defects are suspected.
Cervical disc herniation is another cause of pain in this region. The condition occurs when one or more inter-vertebral discs are displaced from their normal anatomical position. Normally, the discs play the role of shock absorption when there are movements taking place between the different vertebral bodies. The displaced discs can impinge onto adjacent nerve fibers and cause symptoms along the spine that may also be experienced on the limbs.
The management of disc prolapse is divided into conservative and surgical options. Traction is one of the most frequently used (and effective) conservative options. Spinal traction entails the application of a steady pulling force on the spine with the aim of restoring the normal anatomy. About twenty sessions offered over 4 or 6 weeks are usually needed. Analgesic agents may be obtained over the counter or by way of prescription. Surgery is reserved for cases that do not respond to the conservative interventions.
Cervical degenerative disc disease also affects the inter-vertebral discs. This may also be managed conservatively or through surgery. The commonly used conservative therapies include heat and cold compression, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs and physical exercise. If symptoms are severe, stronger prescription drugs such as steroids, opioids and muscle relaxants may be needed. Surgery is considered after six months of trying out the other forms of treatment.
Pain that is described as being present in the cervical region and radiating to the arms is most likely the result of cervical spine narrowing (stenosis). It is easily diagnosed from X-ray images. This condition is asymptomatic in many people. When the symptoms are manifested, their onset is gradual and they progress in severity with time. Cervical spine stenosis is usually associated with other symptoms such as tingling of hands, numbness and in-coordination.
Alternative medicine therapies have been tried for this conditions with varying rates of success. One of the most widely practiced technique in this area is acupuncture. The therapy assumes that life energy, qi, flows certain paths in the body. In disease states, the flow is interrupted. Restoration of the flow by use of special needles provides cure. Others include chiropractic and massage.
Causes of neck pain are numerous and they are distributed among men and women in almost equal proportions. While many cases can be easily be treated using home remedies, there are others that require urgent professional help. Symptoms that are associated with visual disturbance and a severe headache, for example, indicate the presence of a serious underlying condition.
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